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Late yesterday, the Napa Valley Register reported that the French Laundry would be closing for “a couple months come July or August” and Thomas Keller would move his four-star restaurant to Silverado on a pop-up basis.

That’s not entirely accurate, at least at this point. Since the rumor mills are running wild, here is what is confirmed: As reported here in February, the city of Yountville finally approved a rezoning that had been in the works for years. The rezoning allows for the French Laundry to expand its kitchen, parking, and surrounding areas; no changes are anticipated for the dining room. That’s all public record. As also reported, further permits are still needed for construction … and those are at whims of the permitting gods.

Thus, what’s not confirmed, first and foremost, is the timeline and duration of the closure. The French Laundry’s 20th anniversary celebrations take place in July and there are people already on the books. So if you’re planning on dining at the French Laundry this summer, know that there is no date for a potential closure, at this point. It could very well be late summer, as rumored, or it could be late fall, or it could be 2015.

Regarding the pop-up, Keller is indeed flirting with possibilities, but at this point, the TKRG line is that he is not committed to any venue. (Could we suggest a San Francisco one? How about the iconic, vacant Julius’ Castle?)

For what it’s worth, here’s the official statement from David Ciabattari, CFO for the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group: “Until our plans are completed and approved by the Town of Yountville and the various other regulatory agencies, we cannot finalize a construction schedule. As with any government process, the timing is beyond our control and to provide a speculative forward looking statement prior to collaborating with our business partners and employees would be irresponsible.”

Long story short: There’s no story … yet.

You may now resume enjoying your Tuesday.

(Update: The Register article has since been changed.)
· Previously: Yountville zoning changes open up possibility for French Laundry expansion [Inside Scoop]